Job Description

Economic and Social Research Council

Head of Programme Management - UKRI Research & Development Missions Accelerator Programme (R&DMAP) Hub

Salary:

56,745

Hours:

Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8 FTE)

Contract Type:

Open-Ended

Location:

Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire

Grade:

UKRI Band F

Context:

The Research & Development Missions Accelerator Programme (R&DMAP) is a new, targeted UKRI programme designed to support the Government's National Missions and support delivery of the milestones in the Government's Plan for Change. The primary objective of the R&DMAP is to fund targeted research and innovation (R&I), including technology development, to solve critical problems unique to each mission to improve people's lives and create growth. An initial investment of 25 million was announced in the autumn budget, with UKRI leading, in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Government Mission teams, on focussed Research and Innovation (R&I) Challenges to respond to and develop solutions for the Problems in each Mission.

Job Purpose:

ESRC, as the council supporting the UKRI coordinating team, are seeking a Head of Programme Management to coordinate and manage a central hub within UKRI for the programme (the R&DMAP Hub). You will be responsible for implementation activities which are essential to establishing an effective programme hub, including management of dependencies and risks, establishment of governance structures and operating models, and budget management. This role will require close and effective working with other members of the R&DMAP hub, colleagues across UKRI, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

To achieve this, you will be responsible for leading, overseeing and managing activities in the following areas. This is not a comprehensive list, and we may require that you adapt to, and undertake, other duties within the UKRI R&DMAP Hub commensurate with the level of responsibility of this post (especially while the Hub is under development). You will also be a member of the R&DMAP Hub's Senior Leadership Team.

Programme management:

You will maintain the integrity of the programme by translating the Programme Director's vision and business case into clear objectives. You will present your own clear and coordinated vision for delivery against these objectives. You will cascade your vision through the Hub and lead the programme in planning activities which yield benefits and deliver outputs which meet the programme's requirements.

Business case development:

You will manage development and clearance of the R&DMAP's strategic business cases, coordinating authorship within the Hub itself and facilitating input from Programme Managers and Challenge Directors across UKRI.

Risk and dependency management:

You will oversee and coordinate the programme's planned activities with responsibility for identifying interdependencies and conflicts. You will assess risks and issues and mitigate these with timely corrective actions, taking responsibility for outcomes in your area. You will be responsible for planning assurance activities for the programme as a whole.

Stakeholder management:

You will identify and regulate stakeholder relationships and act as a representative for the R&DMAP both internally and externally.

Governance and operating model:

You will co-lead, along with the R&DMAP's Head of Strategy, the design and implementation of an effective operating model for the Hub and its programme of work. You will develop and implement an appropriate governance framework for the R&DMAP commensurate with its scale of investment and UKRI's reporting requirements. You will be responsible for the Hub's adherence to these reporting processes and manage the provision of up-to-date and accurate reports on progress and budgetary status. You will also work to support the delivery of continuous improvement interventions within the operating model, as required.

Team management:

You will provide line management as required. You will promote and ensure adherence to best practice standards in programme management and will maintain awareness of any new developments and requirements, cascading these through the Hub. You will act as a mentor and coach to developing members of the team.

Resource and budget management:

You will manage the Hub's recruitment, resourcing, and system requirements in accordance with your delegated financial responsibility. You will also be responsible for managing budgets across the Hub, working closely with partners in UKRI Finance.

Key Relationships:

You will need to develop and maintain relationships with: UKRI R&DMAP Hub Senior Leadership Team, including the Programme Director, Head of Strategy, and Head of Engagement UKRI R&DMAP Hub Senior Data Analyst Research & Innovation (R&I) Challenge Directors Council Delivery Leads ESRC Executive Chair, and other UKRI Executive Chairs Oversight Board Government Missions teams DSIT sponsorship team supporting R&DMAP

Shortlisting and Interview Criteria:

Essential:


Prince2, MSP, APMPQ or another relevant Project Management Methodology qualification. Demonstrative experience of leading the successful delivery of projects and/or programmes across multiple departments/stakeholders with detailed knowledge of project management tools, methodology and best practice. Experience of leading teams and the allocation and coordination of project resources. Ability to translate strategic priorities into clear outcome-focused objectives and motivate and engage people within a team so that they can deliver high quality outcomes. Strong people management skills, able to work with people of all levels and to build good relations with them, whilst being able to challenge, negotiate, influence and persuade where necessary. The ability to adapt flexibly and quickly to different tasks and challenges, making judgements and resolving complex or difficult problems in an environment of uncertainty. Working frequently in the absence of precedent, researching and applying new ideas and ways of doing things. Excellent communication, written and presentation skills with the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group including executives, managers, and subject matter experts, whilst maintaining awareness of politics and an understanding of how to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully. Excellent numeracy skills, with experience of handling budgets and exercising financial control.
Desirable:


Experience of managing programmes in a relevant policy, government, or research and innovation context. * Experience of using research and innovation to address policy challenges, working collaboratively with relevant policy, government, industry or other stakeholders.